what has to happen for a Jazz win tonight? If Carlos Boozer took Ronnie Brewer aside to talk about shooting, shouldn’t Brewer pull Boozer aside about defense?

–And speaking of completely appalling defense, John Hollinger discusses the worst defensive play of the playoffs so far:

“It started when the Lakers’ Trevor Ariza went in on two Utah defenders and missed a shot. After it came off the rim, the ball was tipped in the air by Kyle Korver, and retrieved by L.A.’s Shannon Brown, who took a dribble, pivoted and threw an underhand pass to Ariza, who then gathered, took a step and dunked. All this time, no other Jazz player entered the picture. In fact, none of them crossed half court. Deron Williams, Ronnie Brewer and Carlos Boozer all stayed in the backcourt and watched as Korver and Andrei Kirilenko tried unsuccessfully to get a stop. If you look closely at the replay you can see that Williams was holding a sand wedge, Brewer had a fishing rod and Boozer was on the phone with his agent.”

–Finally…

The Oregonian quotes Dikembe Mutombo: “I’m going to need surgery. For me, basketball is over. I cried so much about it when I was laying on the floor.”

His 18-year NBA career ended Tuesday night with a gruesome knee injury midway through his 1,297th game. He left the floor on a stretcher after every single teammate had surrounded him on the floor.

That gesture spoke volumes about what they thought of him. He’s the funniest, smartest professional athlete you will ever meet.

He has that booming raspy voice, that wide smile and that very loud laugh. …

Afterward in Houston’s locker room, the 7-foot-2 veteran was on crutches and fighting back tears. “Nobody ever thought they’d be carrying the big guy out like a wounded soldier,” he said. [source]

This is one of the saddest things I’ve ever read. It’s always sad when fate prevents people from retiring on their own terms. Chin up, Deke.